Boro chiefs have come under fire for opening just two sides of the Riverside Stadium for a major cup clash.

Boro plan to open only the North and East stands for the Carling Cup quarter-final tie against Blackburn on December 21.

It is understood to be in anticipation of a small crowd.

But the decision has gone down poorly in some quarters.

Alan Clough, 78, of Billingham, a season ticket holder in the West Stand lower, said: "It's just ridiculous.

"We pay for a season ticket and want to sit in our own seats.

"They are begging people to go to the match but how will they get people to go if they do this?

"I won't be going if they are not going to change their attitude."

Mr Clough, a Boro fan for 70 years who goes to the matches with wife Agnes, said the stand's closure was inconvenient and could cause access problems for them.

Rob Nichols, of the Fly Me To The Moon fanzine, said he was aware supporters were upset but thought the decision was realistic.

He said: "The club know they are not going to sell many tickets.

"If they are proven wrong they will open another stand. I think it's really sad that people are not going to support this game.

"But it's just before Christmas and that's the way it is," he added.

Dave Allan, Middlesbrough FC spokesman, said: "This is the first time this season we have not guaranteed our season ticket holders their usual match day seats.

"Our attendances for cup competitions this season have not exceeded 15,000 so it was felt the atmosphere would benefit by having all the supporters together in two stands rather than spread around the four stands."

The club said it will open other parts of the stadium if there is a demand for tickets for the crunch match.

Tickets are available from the club and cost £20 for adults and £10 for under 16s and over 65s.